Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains The International Date Line

Chuck is freaking hilarious. Adds just the right amount of levity to what is already a really interesting piece of science. Thanks both!

The passenger steamer SS Warrimoo was quietly knifing its way through the waters of the mid-Pacific on its way from Vancouver to Australia. The navigator had just finished working out a star fix and brought Captain John DS. Phillips, the result. The Warrimoo’s position was LAT 0º 31’ N and LONG 179 30’ W. The date was 31 December 1899. “Know what this means?” First Mate Payton broke in, “We’re only a few miles from the intersection of the Equator and the International Date Line”. Captain Phillips was prankish enough to take full advantage of the opportunity for achieving the navigational freak of a lifetime. He called his navigators to the bridge to check & double check the ship’s position. He changed course slightly so as to bear directly on his mark. Then he adjusted the engine speed. The calm weather & clear night worked in his favor. At mid-night the SS Warrimoo lay on the Equator at exactly the point where it crossed the International Date Line. The consequences of this bizarre position were many: The bow of the ship was in the Southern Hemisphere & in the middle of summer. The stern was in the Northern Hemisphere & in the middle of winter. The date in the aft part of the ship was December 31, 1899. The date in the forward part of the ship was January 1, 1900. The ship was therefore concurrently in: two different days, two different months, two different years, two different seasons and in two different centuries. Euller, John (Sept.1953). "A freak of navigation". Ships and the Sea. 3. p. 18

I'm from the Philippines and I'd like to add that Ferdinand Magellan died in the Philippine islands when he was trying to convert the native Filipinos to Christianity and got involved in the rivalry between two tribal kings. Magellan tried to convert one of those tribal chiefs by force. He had around 60 troops while the resisting natives numbered 1,500 in the Battle of Mactan.

Which time zone are you in?

Neil is one of the real messenger of the universe.

You guys have shown me how much I truly love science. You have taught me so much in the recent years. I have decided to quit my factory job and go back to college to pursue a science degree. Thanks for all you do, and inspiring me to pursue something I love!

I appreciate Chuck so much in these episodes. In addition to his quick wit I love his intellectual curiosity, which brings out the joy in Dr. Tyson, who is an incredible science educator. Chuck sets a great example for laypeople like me who are interested in science and willing to learn many new things.

Did Neil just say " see you next Tuesday"? And did you hear Chucks response..... omg love the two

This is the most entertaining science channel ever. Neil and Chuck are quite funny, and you learn something in the process. Who could ask for more?!

Love the sitting where Chuck has that beautiful picture of the heart in the background.